Mercury in Aquatic Systems of North Patagonia (Argentina): Sources, Processes, and Trophic Transfer

DIÉGUEZ, MC.; ARCAGNI, M.; RIZZO, A.; PEREZ CATÁN, S.; SOTO CÁRDENAS, C.; HORVAT, M.; RIBEIRO GUEVARA, S.

Freshwaters and Wetlands of Patagonia. Ecosystems and Socioecological Aspects

Springer

Año: 2022; p. 163 - 194

Andean Patagonia is located in the Southern Volcanic Zone, under the influence of activevolcanoes that continuously reshape the landscape and have a great influence onbiogeochemical processes at different environmental scales. Most mercury (Hg) studies inPatagonia have been conducted in catchments of Nahuel Huapi National Park (NHNP,Argentina), a protected area characterized by sharp west-to-east bioclimatic gradients(increase/decrease in precipitation/temperature and vegetation grading from humid forests toxeric steppes) and contrasting impacts of deposition. In this study we integrate data on Hg indifferent environmental compartments including biota and delineate key processes in Hgcycling in catchments of NHNP. Atmospheric mercury levels in NHNP are within backgroundconcentrations (